Our apprentice Callum graduates to full member of the team after achieving a distinction in his Level 3 Business Administration course.

Planning to aid the next generation. According to new research, close to one in five (18%) of parents and grandparents have dipped into their own property wealth to assist their family members in climbing onto the property ladder [1]. Often, they turn to the equity of their homes to gather the needed funds, either through equity release, downsizing, or remortgaging. This group, affectionately known as the ‘Bank of Family’, is increasingly leveraging their property wealth to aid their children’s entry

Why many people experience a mixed bag of emotions on the subject. Retirement is often envisioned as a time to unwind and indulge in our passions after years of hard work. However, recent research indicates that many individuals feel apprehensive about retiring due to financial and emotional concerns[1]. The rise of ‘retirement anxiety’ The escalating cost of living is putting a strain on income and savings, leading to a growing phenomenon we call ‘retirement anxiety’, particularly among those over 40.

Optimising your finances and formulating an all-encompassing wealth plan for the future. Everyone is entitled to monetary autonomy, and maintaining financial wellness throughout life is more of a marathon than a sprint. One must deeply grasp one’s financial status to reach short-term and long-term objectives. To optimise your finances and formulate an all-encompassing wealth plan for the future, we have created a guide that will enable you to understand your finances better and boost your financial fitness. Understanding your financial

The allure of quick profits and instant gratification. In the investing world, the allure of quick profits and instant gratification often tempt some investors to employ a ‘market timing’ strategy. This method involves buying or selling financial instrument decisions based on predictions of future market price movements. Ironically, numerous studies and historical data have shown that this approach often leads to sub-optimal returns. Market timing is an active investment strategy aiming to beat the traditional buy-and-hold strategy. It involves moving

Maximising your earnings or laying down a robust financial plan. As you sail into your 50s, it becomes pivotal to consider your financial strategy. Life has likely found a steady rhythm by now. Children have probably taken flight, becoming financially self-sufficient, and the idea of reducing work hours or even completing retirement starts to surface. Each person’s life journey is unique and has different resources and challenges. However, there are shared goals and steps that one can take during this

Good news on the horizon for future retirees. For employees, auto-enrolment is a crucial component of everyone’s retirement strategy. Understanding auto-enrolment becomes critical as we increasingly know the need for adequate retirement preparation. Historically, while some companies offered their employees the chance to contribute to a pension fund for retirement preparation, others did not. To facilitate and promote more significant savings, the government implemented legislation for automatic enrolment, or “auto-enrolment”, in October 2012. This mandated all employers to offer a

Many pensioners may face a lurking tax risk as the State Pension grows. Many pensioners may face a potential tax pitfall as the State Pension escalates and Income Tax bands remain fixed. Pensioners are set to see a substantial increase in their income next year. The State Pension is projected to rise by 8.5% in April 2024, following a 10.1% increase in April 2023. This is due to the government’s ‘triple lock’ mechanism, which guarantees that the benefit increases in

A year marked by several tax changes that impacted higher-rate taxpayers. As we approach the end of the year, taxpayers should begin assessing their tax obligations. This is not a task to be left to the eleventh hour, especially considering tax changes coming into effect in 2024. This is also particularly true for 2023, a year already marked by several tax changes that impact higher-rate taxpayers. By understanding your tax obligations early on, you could avoid unwelcome surprises. Understanding these

Considering gilts for your investment portfolio? High-interest rates make gilts an attractive option for some investors, especially higher-rate taxpayers who benefit from the tax exemption from capital gains. What exactly are gilts? These UK government bonds, or debt securities, are issued to finance public expenditure. Their appeal lies in their low-risk nature and guaranteed income. Securing Safe Investments with Gilts Gilts are considered one of the safest investment options because the British government fully backs them. Think of a gilt

Assessing your current and projected wealth, income and expenses. Retirement planning is of utmost importance, regardless of your income or wealth. It ensures a steady income stream after retirement and provides financial security for you and your loved ones.  Retirement cash flow modelling can provide numerous benefits to individuals seeking financial security and planning for the future. By assessing your current and projected wealth, income and expenses, retirement cash flow modelling can help you understand your current and potential future

Choosing the best option for yourself or your loved ones. The costs of care in later life can vary greatly and depend on a multitude of factors. Notably, the type of care required, the individual’s financial situation and their location within the UK play a significant role in determining these costs. Many underestimate the true extent of care home costs and fail to plan for them adequately. However, a comprehensive wealth strategy can provide essential financial preparedness for long-term care.